Sustainable Farming

Irrigation

Partially because sub-Sahara Africa has very distinct wet and dry seasons, Malawi is susceptible to food shortages and even famines. The timing and amount of rain that falls during their wet season (which is roughly December through March) largely determines the size of that year’s crop and therefore the availability of food the rest of that year.

Without irrigation, crop production is very limited during the dry season. Simple drip irrigation systems like the one pictured here can be used to water small garden plots. This type of gravity flow, drip irrigation is currently in use in the White Stone community garden.

While a drip irrigation system is a workable method of watering growing plants, it is too labor intensive to be used for even small-scale commercial farming—especially if water has to be hauled very far. Since approximately 6 or the Bethel Training Center’s 26 acres will be devoted to agriculture, a more extensive irrigation system is needed. A system of canals has been professionally designed and partially built on the property. Water will be pumped from the lake you see in the background of this picture into a holding basin. The water will then flow through canals to growing crops.

This irrigation system will make the Bethel Training Center more self-sufficient because crop production can occur year round. As mentioned, some work has been done. However, an additional $10,500 is needed to complete this important project. With a $1,250 donation you would pay for one canal. Work will resume as funds are made available.